Is this pregnancy IBS?

[Winnipeggy]

I'm 8ish weeks pregnant and my digestive system is just in turmoil. Every time I eat it hurts, I get cramps, trapped wind and then invariably need the loo. Not normal for me at all. A few times I have strained a little on the toilet and have seen spotting (vaginal not rectal) so that's obviously worrying although I did have a scan last week and all was ok.

Just getting the worst cramps all the time and during pregnancy it always makes you think something terrible is happening. I've never had IBS before but is this what it feels like and can it just develop suddenly in pregnancy?

Pregnancy can play havoc with your digestive system. It usually slows it down so you get constipated or some people get the opposite. I had some horrible trapped wind and bloating in early pregnancy, then constipation, then loose stools, then back to constipation. I also strangely developed an intolerance to fresh cream after eating some trifle I had the most horrendous stomach cramps of my life. Then a few months later I ate apple pie with fresh cream and the same thing happened. The weird thing is that I can eat all other dairy but cream.

I’d speak to your midwife or GP and hopefully they can advise.